The Charlotte light rail drinking trail. 16 spots worth getting off the train for

Sure, the Lynx Blue Line light rail may have been designed as an efficient method for transporting residents to and from their weekday offices. But anyone who has hopped on one of its rail cars on a Saturday after dark knows that it also serves to link the city’s nightlife.

From new bars and breweries to classic cocktail destinations, this list hits the top two spots – and what to drink – at every station from the New Bern to the Seventh Street stop.

New Bern Station

(1) Triple C Brewing Co.: The brewery includes a cheerful outdoor beer garden and a dog-friendly interior taproom featuring televisions, multiple bars, a view into the brewing area and foosball. Order: The Light Rail Pale Ale, obviously. 2900 Griffith St.

(2) Good Bottle Co.: Walk up the Rail Trail two blocks to this charming bottle shop filled with hard-to-find craft bottles and cans from around the world. Order: One of the Fullsteam brews that are often on tap. (Get it? Like the train?) 125 Remount Road.

“@KeelayTheRed: Now this would be an awesome cold weather flight. @fullsteam @goodbottleco pic.twitter.com/biKgUKfyOu”

— Good Bottle Company (@goodbottleco) February 11, 2015

East/West Station

(3) The Liberty: Across the parking lot from the stop, this gastropub offers one of the best beer lists in town – and possibly one of the best burgers you’ll ever eat. Order: The taps rotate, but look for local offerings like the classic Olde Mecklenburg Copper from the brewery further down the line. 1812 South Blvd.

(4) Nan and Byron’s: By day, this casual spot is as family-friendly as they come. But weekend evenings tend to turn up the lively nightlife vibe. Order: Southend Gin cocktail made with Hendricks Gin, St. Germaine, cilantro simple syrup, and muddled mint and lemon. 1714 South Blvd.

Bland Station

(5) All American Pub: With a large patio that looks over the tracks and an even larger interior for activities ranging from game watching to dancing, it’s no wonder this pub has become a fast favorite. Order: Sunday’s $2 mimosas and $4 Blood Mary bar. 200 E. Bland St.

(6) Wooden Robot: One of the newest additions to the neighborhood’s fast-growing brewery scene, this spot offers beers inspired by Belgian farmhouse brewing (think: saisons and pale ales). Order: The “What She’s Having” Double IPA. 1440 S. Tryon St.

Carson Station

(7) The Tavern: Just up the stairs from the stop, this 13,000-square-foot neighborhood bar offers weekly trivia and karaoke nights, as well as swing dancing on Wednesday nights and line dancing every Thursday. Order: This is one of the few spots in South End where you can still order a Miller Lite without getting any dirty looks. 300 E. Morehead St.

(8) The Midnight Diner: Open 24 hours, it’s serving the kind of comfort food that’s irresistible after a few hours on a dance floor. (Hello, hash browns smothered in cheese, chunks of ham and onions.) Order: Well, probably coffee is what you need. But daily drink specials do include impressive deals on domestic beers. 115 E. Carson Blvd.

Stonewall Station

(9) Ember Grille: Located inside the sleek Westin hotel, this restaurant’s terrace features fire pits and skyline views perfect for enjoying alongside its small plates and drinks. Order: One of its many wines by the glass. 601 S. College St.

(10) Halcyon Flavors From the Earth: This sophisticated restaurant inside the Mint Museum Uptown boasts some of the city’s most creative cocktails. On Wednesdays, the museum is open until 9 p.m., so you can get some culture by closing it down then head next door for a drink. Order: The Dealer’s Choice is an elixir created just for you by house mixologist Andrew Shook. 500 S. Tryon St.

Third Street/Convention Center Station

(11) Latta Arcade and Brevard Court: Two blocks west of the station you’ll find this charming row of restaurants with an indoor atrium and outdoor alley. The historic strip is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, which means it’s the perfect time to grab a Guinness at Belfast Mill, catch a game at Courtyard Hooligans, look over Romare Bearden Park at Vahalla pub, sip wine at Vintage Lounge, or smoke hookah at Metropolitan Café. 230 S. Tryon St.

(12) Fahrenheit Restaurant: The sunken bar area features doors that open onto an expansive balcony with panoramic views of the skyline, as well as striking linear fire pits and a social pool. Order: One of the six versions of a Moscow Mule. 222 S. Caldwell St.

CTC Station

(13) EpiCentre: Charlotte’s answer to adult Disney World. First, there are bars ranging from pubs and piano bars to upscale clubs and rooftops. Then, there’s all the other entertainment – restaurants, a movie theater, and even a bowling alley. Order: Studio Movie Grill may offer the most entertaining experience with cocktails being served at your seat in the theater. 210 E Trade St.

(14) The Punch Room: If the EpiCentre is your 20-something Red-Bull-and-vodka-swilling pal, The Punch Room – a glamorous 15th floor bar atop The Ritz-Carlton – is your older sophisticated friend who prefers craft cocktails and hushed tones. Order: Something creative from bartender Bob Peters. 201 E. Trade St.

Seventh Street Station

(15) 7th Street Market: This artisanal market offers a variety of fare from sushi to sweets, all perfect for pairing with a brew from Tanks Tap or wine from Assorted Table Wine Shoppe. Order: Tank’s Tap offers 48 North Carolina bottled and canned beers in addition to those it has on tap. 224 E. Seventh St.

(16) Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse: Inside, you’ll find the Charlotte-area chain’s famed Philly Cheesesteaks, wings and extensive craft beer selection, as well as a unique swanky downstairs bar and restaurant, The Cellar. Order: A classic drink from The Cellar’s cocktail list. 330 N. Tryon St.

Photos: Todd Sumlin/Charlotte Observer; John D. Simmons/Charlotte Observer; Charlotte Observer file; Robert Lahser/Charlotte Observer; Mark Hames/Charlotte Observer; Davie Hinshaw/Charlotte Observer

This story was originally published October 2, 2015 at 1:02 AM with the headline "The Charlotte light rail drinking trail. 16 spots worth getting off the train for."